I’ve constructed massive towers that rise above the clouds. I’ve burrowed deep into the earth to create massive subterranean dwellings. And yet I’ve never done both at the same time. Except in Minecraft but that doesn’t really count. Towers & Dungeons is Ravensburger Digital’s attempt at providing iOS users with their own special brand of vertical world, and gives them the choice of building up or down. Or both if they really want to.

Eugene is a sad little green dragon in need of a real home. The problem is, finding such a home for a dragon requires some extreme feats of construction. See, dragons only live in really high or really deep places, so players will have to build a number of floors stretching either way if they want to get the little fella settled in. Resources are split into two categories: food and building materials. Each new room requires both, which is why it’s important to use orchards and mills and such to generate more. Then upgrade them for increased output, naturally. However, in addition to resources players need minions to do the actual work. Thankfully there isn’t much of a shortage of pointy-earned locals looking for a place to sleep. Provided there are some empty beds.

Towers & Dungeons’ storybook world is brought to life thanks to some fantastic and vibrant graphics. The semi-3D backgrounds sport lots of little details and the colorful minions ratchet up the cuteness as they wander and perform various tasks. There are also plenty of small interactions that pop up from time to time in order to keep players occupied while they wait for their rooms to get built or juice to brew. Sometimes a witch might stop by and can be used to speed up a single room’s production of resources. Other times a tourist might wander in and task players with locating a hidden item. And on occasion the minions themselves will want some attention, be it an affectionate pat on the head, a drink, or a bath.

The adorableness of Towers & Dungeons’ denizens can get a bit overbearing, however. Heck, the “baby goo-goo” noises Eugene makes can get downright obnoxious. As can the near constant interruptions - interruptions that can and will get in the way of utilizing witches and helping tourists - when new quests/tasks are assigned.

The bulk of Towers & Dungeons’ appeal lies in its visual splendor and fantasy setting. It’s not really breaking new ground mechanically, but it does give players plenty of little tasks to do and has plenty of charm to spare. Perhaps a bit too much charm, actually.

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